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Massage Therapy

Types of Massage

Massage Therapy Techniques

Craniosacral Therapy

A gentle, non-invasive manipulative technique, this therapy encourages your own natural mechanisms to improve the functioning of your brain and spinal cord dissipate the negative effects of stress promote good health and enhance resistance to disease.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is used to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and more direct pressure of friction applied across the grain of the muscles. This invigorating experience is a process of detection of stiff or painful areas by determining the quality and texture of the deeper layers of musculature, and slowly working into the deep layers of muscle tissue. Specific hand positions and strokes are then used to respond to various tissue qualities. Techniques employing breath and movement are also used for releasing muscular congestion.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

This healing technique has become a popular massage choice. It blends soothing, gentle, rhythmical, precise massage-like movements to accelerate the flow of lymphatic fluid in the body.

Myofascial Release

Myofascial release is used to evaluate and treat restrictions in the body's contractile connective tissues (muscles) and non-contractile supportive connective tissues (fascia) by the application of gentle traction, pressures and positioning. Fascia is a complex supportive web throughout the body affecting all components of the musculoskeletal, nervous and visceral (organ) systems. It surrounds groups of muscle fibers, entire muscle groups and organs. Myofascial release techniques are used to coax muscles in spasm to relax and to break adhesions in the fascia. Bodies respond to these therapies by releasing tension that has been stored in the fascia, thus allowing more functional flexibility and mobility of the muscles, fascia and associated structures.

Chair Massage

Chair massage consists of a 30 minute massage given while the patient is seated in a special, portable massage chair. The client remains fully clothed and no oils are used while their shoulders, neck, upper back, head and arms are massaged. This technique is sometimes used on site at some offices as an employee benefit and for conferences, workshops and certain social events.

Sports Massage

Is used primarily for the serious athlete who trains continuously. It focuses on the muscles relevant to the particular athletic activity. It also includes pre-event, post-event and maintenance techniques that promote greater athletic endurance and performance and lessen chances of injury & reduce recovery time.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage utilizes collection of techniques designed primarily to relax muscles by applying pressure to them against deeper muscles and bones, and rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. The lymph system and veins (which carry blood back to the heart) both rely on muscle action, rather than heart pump pressure, to operate. Many believe it is safe to apply light pressure in the opposite direction. Friction is reduced by oil or lotions. Swedish massage can relax muscles, increase circulation, remove metabolic waste products, help the recipient obtain a feeling of connectedness, and create better awareness of their body and the way they use and position it. The strokes and manipulations of Swedish massage are each conceived as having a specific therapeutic benefit. One of the primary goals of Swedish massage is to speed venous return from the extremities. Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissue of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes, improving circulation without increasing heart load.

Trigger-Point and Myotherapy

These are pain relief techniques designed to alleviate muscle spasms and cramping. The therapist locates and deactivates "trigger points" which are often tender areas where muscles have been damaged or acquired a re-occurring spasm or "kink" that worsens in pain when aggravated. The major goal is to reduce spasm, inducing new blood flow into the affected area. The spasms are partly maintained by the nervous system feedback (pain-spasm-pain) cycle. Spasms also physically reduce blood flow to the trigger point area (ischemia), reducing oxygen supplied to the tissues and increasing the spasm. Pressure is applied to trigger points for a short time (between 7-10 seconds per point), which can be momentarily painful but provides great relief. Myotherapy aims to erase pain and soothe tightened muscles. People with acute or chronic muscle tension and the associated pain are likely to benefit greatly from this type of treatment.